The Best Whisky-Themed 2024 Advent Calendars
Spirit-based Advent calendars have steadily grown in popularity over the last decade. They started in Great Britain but are increasingly popular in the US. The calendars feature a shot of spirit for each day of Advent. Here are some of the best whisky Advent calendars for the 2024 Christmas season.
Advent is the roughly four-week period before Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Day. The term is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or arrival, and is historically the beginning of the liturgical year for most Christian churches in the West. Traditionally, devout Christians fasted during this period, known as the Advent Fast.
Various practices became associated with Advent, including lighting an Advent wreath, erecting a Christmas tree, and putting out Christmas decorations.
What does all this have to do with spirits?
Advent calendars appeared around the mid-20th century. They were intended for children who traditionally did not participate in Advent fasts. The calendars contained a candy for each day of Advent. The tradition started in Germany and became widespread by the late 1950s. Today, candy-filled Advent calendars are found worldwide but are especially popular in Germany and Scandinavia.
In 2012, Master of Malt, the British mail-order spirits retailer, began offering adult-oriented Scotch whisky Advent Calendars. They may not have been the first, but they popularized the concept. Instead of a chocolate or a candy, each day featured a dram, typically one ounce or so, of a single malt from a Scottish distillery. The practice grew from that modest beginning and now encompasses a range of spirits and several dozen offerings.
Flaviar, the online spirits club and retail store, was among the first American online retailers to offer Spirit Advent Calendars. It describes its 2024 Advent Calendar as containing "a carefully selected whiskey behind each of its 24 doors." Flaviar's experts "share the stories and flavor profiles behind each selection in the Guest Tasting Itinerary included in the box."
The 24 whiskeys featured in Flaviar's 2024 Spirit Advent Calendar are drawn from all over the world. Among the selected whiskeys are Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Stranahan's Blue Peak, Single Malt Whiskey, Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky from Australia, Stork House, Straight Rye Whisky from Germany, and Sekk Sato Shiki Single Grain Japanese Whisky.
Each whiskey comes in a 50 ml vial, a little under two ounces, which is enough to either share with another or taste twice. Also included are two Glencairn-branded tasting glasses and a free one-year membership to Flaviar Key Card, an online club that offers access to limited bottles and special pricing. The Flaviar Advent Calendar retails for $250 and is available exclusively from Flaviar.
Another outstanding whisky-themed Advent Calendar is Whisky Tour of the World from Gravity Drinks. The Advent Calendar, available exclusively at Costco and retails for $159.99, features 50 ml samples of 24 whiskies drawn from around the world. The whiskies come in five linen-bound books in an engraved wooden bookcase. The pack includes a book on the distilleries, tasting notes, journaling sections, and two whisky tumblers.
Among the featured whiskies, drawn from 19 countries, are expressions from Kavalan, Indri, Hatozaki, Cotswolds, Stauning, Lark, and many more. Compared to the Flaviar Advent Calendar, the featured whiskies are more international in scope and include fewer American whiskeys. At $159.99, it's also an outstanding price for such a broad selection of award-winning whiskies.
Consider any of the three wine-themed Advent Calendars from In Good Taste if you prefer wine. Each of their advent calendar features:
The three wine Advent Calendars come in three options:
Mixed Wine Advent Calendar featuring red, white, and rosé wines - Best Seller, $144.99
The mixed wine collection features a selection of premium wines from Italy, Spain, South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and California. Expect a mix of light, fruity, and bold wines to enjoy every night.
All Red Wine Advent Calendar, $159.99
This collection is a curated selection of 24 premium red wines from Italy, Spain, California, Australia, and Argentina. It is perfect for red wine lovers who want to explore new varietals.
Boisset Collection Advent Calendar, $249.99
The Boisset collection is an exclusive collection of 24 wines from the world-renowned wine producer, featuring Napa and Sonoma's most storied and awarded wineries.
In a pinch, there is always chocolate. Among the more outstanding chocolate-themed Advent Calendars is the collection from Delysia Chocolatier , an award-winning chocolate company known for handmade and inventive truffle creations.
The Delysia 2024 Advent Calendar has an "Ultimate Cookie Swap" theme. It features 25 chocolate truffles inspired by classic cookie flavors like gingerbread and Snickerdoodle and unexpected flavors in desserts like poppyseed hamantaschen and alfajores. The Delysia Advent Calendar retails for $79.95.
There is no shortage of Advent Calendars this year. The ones above are among the best we found for 2024.
Merry Christmas
